TBR Intervention Challenge (38)

TBR Intervention is a weekly challenge hosted by

Dani @ RefractedLight, Ayanami @Whatever you Can Still Betray, and April @Books4Juliet

Everyone is WELCOME to JOIN this meme. Just click the image TBR Intervention Button above to see the rules and read more about this feature.


LAST WEEK'S TBRIC:

Hey now! How's your weekend? I am happy to to say that I've finished two books last week. And both books are amazing! My reviews are up so you can take a look if you want :) I hope you all had a productive week too. 

I've finished Falling Under by Gwen Hayes and loved it! Thank you everyone for suggesting this book last week. I really enjoyed it. I should've listened when you all suggested it the first time. 

I also read Easy by Tammara Webber and it was sooo good. You should read it! It's a Mature YA book--captivating and very entertaining. It's really sexy and yummy-licious. 

THIS WEEK'S TBRIC:

Summary:

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.
In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grows dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages—not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.

When one of the strangers—beautiful, haunted Akiva—fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor has been on my shelf since December last year. I've won this copy from Natalia @DazzlingReads :) I miss this girl so much, haven't talk to her lately, so I'm planning to read this book for this coming week. Also, I know that Lis loved and enjoyed this book so much so I'm even more excited to read it. I must have hurt her feelings when I didn't listen to her about Pandemonium, so I want to make it up to her *winks. I'm still reading Dreaming Awake (Falling Under #2) by Gwen Hayes and hopefully I'll be able to finish it soon. 

How's your TBR list?

Book Review: EASY by Tammara Webber

Easy
Author: Tammara Webber
Publication Date: May 5th 2012
Format/Edition: Kindle Edition
Genre: Mature Young Adult (New Adult), Contemporary Romance

Summary | Add to TBR

When Jacqueline follows her longtime boyfriend to the college of his choice, the last thing she expects is a breakup. After two weeks in shock, she wakes up to her new reality: she’s single, attending a state university instead of a music conservatory, ignored by her former circle of friends, stalked by her ex’s frat brother, and failing a class for the first time in her life.

Her econ professor gives her an email address for Landon, the class tutor, who shows her that she’s still the same intelligent girl she’s always been. As Jacqueline becomes interested in more from her tutor than a better grade, his teasing responses make the feeling seem mutual. There’s just one problem—their only interactions are through email.

Meanwhile, a guy in her econ class proves his worth the first night she meets him. Nothing like her popular ex or her brainy tutor, Lucas sits on the back row, sketching in a notebook and staring at her. At a downtown club, he disappears after several dances that leave her on fire. When he asks if he can sketch her, alone in her room, she agrees—hoping for more.

Then Jacqueline discovers a withheld connection between her supportive tutor and her seductive classmate, her ex comes back into the picture, and her stalker escalates his attention by spreading rumors that they’ve hooked up. Suddenly appearances are everything, and knowing who to trust is anything but easy.

My Thoughts:

One of the upsides of having too many great bookish friends is they keep you updated with so many good books to read. And since I trusted my friends opinions about EASY, I immediately I grabbed a copy. (Girls, you know who you are! *winks)

Now don't laugh 'cause I just might be... the soft curve in your hardline.

Easy is one of those books that is so hard to put down once you started it. From the beginning I was sucked into the story and I found myself not wanting to stop reading even if it means bringing my e-reader to the toilet so I can pee (oops, excuse me *grins). I was reading it during our trip to the grocery store last night and even on the ride back home. And even while waiting for the food to arrive in the restaurant! It was that good. I enjoyed every minute of it.

After being dumped by her boyfriend of three years, she was attacked by her ex-bf's frat brother Buck at the Halloween night. If it wasn't for Lucas, she'd be raped in her own car. Suddenly, he was everywhere--in her economy class--sitting at the back row, and at Starbucks where she ordered her usual coffee. She can't deny that she's attracted to him, gorgeous, hot and sexy. But she also can't help but think about her mysterious econ tutor whom she haven't met except through emails. Landon Maxfield isn't just an intellectual guy but also kind and funny. She looks forward to his emails and found herself flirting with him.

Okay, so there's that two guys that made this book enjoyable and yummy to read. But what I loved most in the story is Lucas. Who wouldn't be? This guy had me swooning all over everytime he was mentioned in the book. Every revelation about Lucas made me so giddy to read more. And the tension between the characters builds up an exciting read. There's also a handful of romantic moments that made me swoon to the bones. Just great. If authors keep writing this kind of books, I won't be able to sleep at all! I finished it in one day and I want to read it all over again! 

With amazing set of characters, intense plot and beautiful storyline, this book will keep you entertained until the last page. There is a whole lot of emotions addressed in this book, and the issue on rape, harassments and trauma were carefully tackled. The author made it realistic and believable, bringing out an emotional and touching story.

So if you're looking for a captivating book--fast, absorbing, enjoyable, and edgy--pick EASY. It will entertain you for hours and sweep you off your feet.

He stuck the pencil over his ear, looking unconvinced. "Mmm. What position would be the most comfortable for you?"

I couldn't say aloud the answers that popped into my head at that question, but the flush that spread across my face like wildfire gave me away. He caught his lower lip in his teeth, and I was sure it was to contain a laugh. Most comfortable position? What about with my head stuck under a pillow?

Warning: You should be a mature YA reader if you pick this book. Just saying... ;)

Thanks to my awesome Starbooks friends who recommended EASY. You girls always rock!

My Rating:

Book Review: FALLING UNDER by Gwen Hayes

Falling Under (Falling Under #1)

Author: Gwen Hayes

Publication Date: March 1st 2011

Publisher: New American Library
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance

Summary | Add to TBR

Theia Alderson has always led a sheltered life in the small California town of Serendipity Falls. But when a devastatingly handsome boy appears in the halls of her school, Theia knows she's seen Haden before- not around town, but in her dreams.

As the Haden of both the night and the day beckons her closer one moment and pushes her away the next, the only thing Theia knows for sure is that the incredible pull she feels towards him is stronger than her fear.

And when she discovers what Haden truly is, Theia's not sure if she wants to resist him, even if the cost is her soul.

My Thoughts:

If I only knew that I would enjoy this book this much, I would've read it sooner. Falling Under isn't just another Twilight look-a-like book, though there are lots of similarities when it comes to the story and plot. But I guess that's also another reason why I was so drawn to it. I've finished this book in less than two days. I couldn't put it down. It swallowed me whole! I liked the setting--mysterious, eerie, dangerous and beautiful at the same time. I read it non-stop even while on the road, surprised that I made it home without throwing up on the car's carpeted floor. Hubby must have realized how much I was glued to the book because he didn't try to talk to me while he's driving.

Empty of anything that defined as real.
That was how I felt sometimes. I existed in a world for show, not depth, not feeling.
And then along came Haden.

I loved Falling Under.

The pacing of the story is well-developed and it didn't give me any opportunity to bore myself. I enjoyed every minute reading this book and since I'm a sucker for for good romance story, this book didn't fail me at all. The minute I started reading the first page, I couldn't stop. A story that started with a  burning man who fell from the sky... that's intriguing. And as I continue to read, it held me... held me... until the last page. It's so good and I couldn't stop reading.

Why must everyone fall in order to love me? - Theia

The characters are likable, even Theia though she appeared to be weak and not-so-kickass kind of heroine. She's rich, beautiful, raised to be a proper and decent woman by her overly protective father. She felt like she's in a cage and I can almost feel her. She may not be one of the strongest heroine I know, but she learned to come out of her shell and fight for something that she wants, for once in her life. It's nice to see how she matures by the end of the book, and I hope she'll turn out to be a much stronger heroine in the next sequel. Haden, on the other hand, is so wickedly gorgeous, alluring, not to mention dangerous. The mystery that surrounds him made me so giddy to turn the page and see what's beneath his dark personality. His own POVs didn't lessen the intrigue but made the story even more enticing. Haden is a swoon-worthy kind of guy, you surely don't want to miss him.

I didn't recall loving her, but I loved her all the same. It wasn't something I questioned anymore... My brain may not have remembered, but my heart did. - Haden

Each characters in the story are different but they all made the book entertaining to me. They are all unique in their own way that made them interesting and fun to read about. There are times that I didn't liked Donny (Donnatella) or Ame (Amelia), and even Theia. But characters aren't supposed to be perfect or badass or impressive to be strong and effective. They have to be believable. It's refreshing to read about friends who will back you up no matter what, whatever the cost. And for once in while, it's nice to read a book without having to deal with slutty, sexy blonds antagonists who usually gets on my nerve. Almost every book has them, and sometimes it's irritating already. Though they still exist in this book, they aren't big deal to concern about and I liked it. There is also enough humor and funny moments that made me grin and smile from time to time. And the guys spice up the atmosphere especially on those serious and difficult moments.

Fast and very enjoyable, this book is worth the read. The story is well blended with beautiful romance and nice variety of characters.Falling Under will capture the hearts of the readers who loves fantasy and paranormal romance. I can't wait to read the next.

My Rating:

Upcoming Books Snoop | July 2012 Edition

Here are some of the upcoming books that I've spotted over the week(s) and made their way to my TBR list.

If you've also spotted new titles or sequels that you would like to share with me or to everyone, feel free to join and comment. Have fun snooping around!

July is coming fast and there are lots of new books that are going to be released. Here are some of the titles that will be available VERY SOON. Are these books on your TBR yet?

Silent Song
by Ron C. Nieto
July 1st 2012

Summary | Add to TBR
The princess of the school, Alice, is keeping a secret that could strip her of her high school fame. She is obsessed with the school’s outcast, Keith, but not just him – his music.

Since the inspiration for the song hit, Keith can’t get it out of his mind. The song must be played; it demands to be played. He knows the music is changing him, but he is unable to stop it.

Music has the ability to move you, enlighten you, and take you to places you have never dreamed of. And this particular piece? It has a life of its own and makes you forget who you really are.

As Keith and Alice learn of one another to the notes of that one perfect tune, they can overlook their roles and discover who they could be together. But they also discover someone else is listening and intends on keeping Keith to herself, possibly for an eternity.

Once (Eve #2)

by Anna Carey

July 3rd 2012

Summary | Add to TBR

When you're being hunted, who can you trust?

For the first time since she escaped from her school many months ago, Eve can sleep soundly. She's living in Califia, a haven for women, protected from the terrifying fate that awaits orphaned girls in The New America.

But her safety came at a price: She was forced to abandon Caleb, the boy she loves, wounded and alone at the city gates. When Eve gets word that Caleb is in trouble, she sets out into the wild again to rescue him, only to be captured and brought to the City of Sand, the capital of The New America.

Trapped inside the City walls, Eve uncovers a shocking secret about her past--and is forced to confront the harsh reality of her future. When she discovers Caleb is alive, Eve attempts to flee her prison so they can be together--but the consequences could be deadly. She must make a desperate choice to save the ones she loves . . . or risk losing Caleb forever.

In this breathless sequel to "Eve," Anna Carey returns to her tale of romance, adventure, and sacrifice in a world that is both wonderfully strange and chillingly familiar.

Team Human
by Justine Larbalestier, Sarah Rees Brennan
July 3rd 2012

Summary | Add to TBR
Just because Mel lives in New Whitby, a city founded by vampires, doesn't mean she knows any of the blood-drinking undead personally. They stay in their part of town; she says in hers. Until the day a vampire shows up at her high school. Worse yet, her best friend, Cathy, seems to be falling in love with him. It's up to Mel to save Cathy from a mistake she might regret for all eternity

On top of trying to help Cathy (whether she wants it or not), Mel is investigating a mysterious disappearance for another friend and discovering the attractions of a certain vampire wannabe. Combine all this with a cranky vampire cop, a number of unlikely romantic entanglements, and the occasional zombie, and soon Mel is hip-deep in an adventure that is equal parts hilarious and touching.

Acclaimed authors Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees Brennan team up to create a witty and poignant story of cool vampires, warm friendships, and the changes that test the bonds of love.

Dark Companion
by Marta Acosta
July 3rd 2012

Summary | Add to TBR
When foster teen Jane Williams is invited to attend elite Birch Grove Academy for Girls and escape her violent urban neighborhood, she thinks the offer is too good to be true. She's even offered her own living quarters, the groundskeeper's cottage in the center of the birch grove.

Something's not quite right about the school -- or is it Jane? She thinks she sees things in the birch grove at night. She's also beginning to suspect that the elegant headmistress and her sons are hiding secrets. Lucky is the gorgeous, golden son who is especially attentive to Jane, and Jack is the sardonic puzzling brother.

The school with its talented teachers and bright students is a dream for a science and math geek like Jane. She also loves her new friends, including hilarious poetry-spouting rich girl, Mary Violet. But the longer Jane stays at Birch Grove, the more questions she has about the disappearance of another scholarship girl and a missing faculty member.

Jane discovers one secret about Birch Grove, which only leads to more mysteries. What is she willing to sacrifice in order to stay at this school...and be bound to Birch Grove forever?

Crux
by Julie Reece
July 9th 2012

Summary | Add to TBR
She should have run. Now, she’ll have to fight.

Eighteen year old Birdie may be homeless, but she’s surviving, that is until a mysterious guy throws money in the air like a crazy game show host, and she grabs some with the idea she’ll be able to buy dinner that night.

In that singular moment, unassuming Birdie becomes the girl in everyone’s viewfinder. Thugs want to kill her. Money-guy wants to recruit her. The very hot, very rich, and very out of her league Grey Mathews wants to save her.

Birdie, though, wants nothing to do with any of them, until she realizes fate didn’t bring them all together.

Her heritage did.

Now, with only twenty-one days left, she’s got to decide whether to follow in the footsteps of those before her or risk her life for people she’s only just met.

Such A Rush
by Jennifer Echols
July 10th 2012

Summary | Add to TBR
A sexy and poignant romantic tale of a young daredevil pilot caught between two brothers.

High school senior Leah Jones loves nothing more than flying. While she’s in the air, it’s easy to forget life with her absentee mother at the low-rent end of a South Carolina beach town. When her flight instructor, Mr. Hall, hires her to fly for his banner advertising business, she sees it as her ticket out of the trailer park. And when he dies suddenly, she’s afraid her flying career is gone forever.

But Mr. Hall’s teenage sons, golden boy Alec and adrenaline junkie Grayson, are determined to keep the banner planes flying. Though Leah has crushed on Grayson for years, she’s leery of getting involved in what now seems like a doomed business — until Grayson betrays her by digging up her most damning secret. Holding it over her head, he forces her to fly for secret reasons of his own, reasons involving Alec. Now Leah finds herself drawn into a battle between brothers — and the consequences could be deadly.

The Thing About The Truth
by Lauren Barnholdt
July 10th 2012

Summary | Add to TBR
In this humorous love story from the author of Two-Way Street, an unlikely romance is the best sort of surprise—but the wrong secret can ruin everything. Kelsey’s not going to let one mistake ruin her life. Sure, she got kicked out of prep school and all her old friends are shutting her out. But Kelsey’s focused on her future, and she’s determined to get back on track at Concordia High.

Isaac’s been kicked out of more schools than he can count. Since his father’s a state senator, Isaac’s life is under constant scrutiny—but Concordia High’s his last stop before boarding school, so Isaac’s hoping to fly under the radar and try to stay put for a change.

When Kelsey and Isaac meet, it’s anything but love at first sight. She thinks he’s an entitled brat, and he thinks she’s a stuck-up snob. So it surprises them both when they start to fall for each other. Kelsey’s happy for the first time in months, and Isaac’s never felt this way about anyone before...But nothing’s ever completely perfect. Everyone has secrets, and Isaac and Kelsey are no exceptions. These two may have fallen hard, but there’s one thing that can ruin it all: the truth.

The Unquiet
by Jeannine Garsee
July 17th 2012

Summary | Add to TBR
Sixteen-year-old Rinn Jacobs has secrets: One, she’s bipolar. Two, she killed her grandmother.

After a suicide attempt, and now her parents' separation, Rinn and her mom move from California to the rural Ohio town where her mother grew up. Back on her medications and hoping to stay well, Rinn settles into her new home, undaunted by the fact that the previous owner hanged herself in Rinn's bedroom. At school, her classmates believe the school pool is haunted by Annaliese, a girl who drowned there. But when a reckless séance goes awry, and terrible things start happening to her new friends—yet not to her—Rinn is determined to find out why she can’t be "touched" by Annaliese...or if Annaliese even exists.

With the help of Nate Brenner, the hunky “farmer boy” she’s rapidly falling for, Rinn devises a dangerous plan to uncover the truth. Soon reality and fantasy meld into one, till Rinn finds it nearly impossible to tell the difference. When a malevolent force threatens the lives of everyone she cares about--not to mention her own--she can't help wondering: who should she really be afraid of?

Annaliese? Or herself?

The Girl With Borrowed Wings
by Rinsai Rossetti
July 19th 2012

Summary | Add to TBR
A stunningly written tale of an isolated girl and the shape-shifting boy who shows her what freedom could be--if only she has the courage to take it.

Controlled by her father and bound by desert, Frenenqer Paje’s life is tediously the same, until a small act of rebellion explodes her world and she meets a boy, but not just a boy--a Free person, a winged person, a shape-shifter. He has everything Frenenqer doesn’t. No family, no attachments, no rules. At night, he flies them to the far-flung places of their childhoods to retrace their pasts. But when the delicate balance of their friendship threatens to rupture into something more, Frenenqer must confront her isolation, her father, and her very sense of identity, breaking all the rules of her life to become free.

Something Strange and Deadly (Something Strange and Deadly #1)
by Susan Dennard
July 24th 2012

Summary | Add to TBR
The year is 1876, and there’s something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia…

Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about. Her brother has gone missing, her family has fallen on hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walks by. But this is nothing compared to what she’s just read in the newspaper—

The Dead are rising in Philadelphia.

And then, in a frightening attack, a zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor…from her brother.

Whoever is controlling the Dead army has taken her brother as well. If Eleanor is going to find him, she’ll have to venture into the lab of the notorious Spirit-Hunters, who protect the city from supernatural forces. But as Eleanor spends more time with the Spirit-Hunters, including their maddeningly stubborn yet handsome inventor, Daniel, the situation becomes dire. And now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.

Endlessly (Paranormalcy #3)
by Kiersten White
July 24th 2012

Summary | Add to TBR
Evie's paranormal past keeps coming back to haunt her. A new director at the International Paranormal Containment Agency wants to drag her back to headquarters. The Dark Faerie Queen is torturing humans in her poisonous realm. And supernatural creatures keep insisting that Evie is the only one who can save them from a mysterious, perilous fate.

The clock is ticking on the entire paranormal world. And its fate rests solely in Evie's hands.

So much for normal.

TBR Intervention Challenge (37)

TBR Intervention is a weekly challenge hosted by
Dani @ RefractedLight, Ayanami @Whatever you Can Still Betray, and April @Books4Juliet

Everyone is WELCOME to JOIN this meme. Just click the image TBR Intervention Button above to see the rules and read more about this feature.

LAST WEEK'S TBRIC:

Yay! I've finished Silent Song! Thanks to Ron for sharing it to me. I'm trying to avoid giving away too much so you just have to wait for my written review on July 4th, just in time for the Silent Song Blog Tour stop here in my blog. Don't you dare miss it! *winks Ron, you've really done it! I'm so proud of you! 

I also finished Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver. And oh my gosh, what an ending! Have you read it? I also finished my review for Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready. Just click click click! :)

THIS WEEK'S TBRIC:

I'm thinking of reading one of the books below. I couldn't make up my mind so I will just list them here and maybe you can help me choose? Here they go:

Any suggestion?

Book Review: PANDEMONIUM by Lauren Oliver

Pandemonium (Delirium #2)

Author: Lauren Oliver

Publication Date: February 28th 2012

Publisher: Harper Teen

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian

Summary | Add to TBR

I'm pushing aside the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame.

Lauren Oliver delivers an electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed New York Times bestseller, Delirium. This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire of fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite.

My Thoughts:

I think we all have been in this situation where you wanna cry and shout and lie down to bed after reading a book. Okay, not just a book, but a really good book. This is what happened to me the time I reached the final page of Pandemonium. I can't explain the feeling. Maybe it was a mixture of things. The feeling where you don't understand whether you are sad or happy or hopeless or the opposite. And the only easy escape is to have the next book. But no way you can have it now because you still have to wait a couple of months or a year to have it. Then it hits you... frustration and torture. Honestly, I don't think I could write it down well. So let me just say that I totally loved Pandemonium, I enjoyed it so much. It is really good. It surpassed my high expectations.

"What does it feel like?"

I know what he is talking about, but I still ask, "What does what feel like?"

"The deliria." He pauses. Then I hear him slide slowly out of bed. He is kneeling between our bunks. I cannot move or breathe. If I turn my head, our lips will be six inches apart. Less. " What does it feel like to be infected?"

"I-I can't describe it." I force the words out. Can't breathe. Can't breathe. Can't breathe. His skin smells like smoke from a wood fire, like soap, like heaven. I imagine tasting his skin; I imagine biting his lips.

"I want to know." His words are a whisper, barely audible. "I want to know with you."

What I love about this book?

The Deliria. Love.

Even Delirium impressed me so much by tackling this idea that "love" is a disease. It was amazing to see how terrified people are when they learned that you are infected... by love. And then you'll be persecuted because you feel it--love. In Pandemonium, it surprises me even more by how the plot and the setting changed. War. Chaos. Everywhere. I met a whole bunch of characters and each of them has their own story to tell. I felt sad for them. I pitied them. This book is action-packed, you won't get bored. Lots of twists and surprises that will keep you at the edge of your seat.

Lena.

She had grown so much from that innocent girl in Delirium to a fighter in Pandemonium. When the rest of the world seemed to be hardened by loss and grief, Lena remains human, strong and smart. It's nice to see that she still cries, and she still have a soft spot within her, but she's never numb. She knows what she wants and I liked her for that.

Julian.

What can I say? It was a surprise to me because I didn't see it coming. I thought it was this another guy from the Wilds. I missed Alex from the beginning, and I admit that throughout the book, I'm not sure what to believe in. I believed and/or almost believed that maybe he's really dead. You have to read it, to find out. And Julian is the new guy. I loved Alex from Delirium but I can't resist loving Julian in Pandemonium. Both guys are great. I didn't know who I liked better for Lena. But then, Alex might or might not be dead.

Alex.

When I finished the book, I couldn't stop thinking about what really happened. I missed Alex the whole time in the book but Julian filled that hole in my heart. But then I guess, it couldn't be filled at all. Because when I closed the book, I grabbed Delirium from my shelf, and skimmed through the pages where I can read about Alex again. I don't want to say anything more, because I don't want to spoil the book for you. I'm afraid that I'm giving away too much already.

This book made me shiver. It seemed like Lena's emotions poured into me like a bucket of cold water. Or maybe I should lessen my coffee intake. Felt like I was shaking, I could hardly stand. I read the last page over and over again. The big cliffy ending almost killed me. This book is so so good, I totally loved it. I couldn't stop thinking about it and this feeling is weighing me down. I don't think I will sleep well tonight.

Deliria is infectious. Want to know what it feels like? Do I recommend it? My goodness, yes. After a roller coaster ride kind of feeling? After almost being killed by a big cliffy ending? Who am I not to share the torture?

Just read it. It's worthy of your time.

Requiem,

Please be out now.

My Rating:

The first book in Delirium Trilogy

Add to TBR

Book Review: SHINE by Jeri Smith-Ready

Shine (Shade #3)

Author: Jeri Smith-Ready

Publication Date: May 1st 2012

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance

Summary | Add to TBR

In this dramatic conclusion to the Shade trilogy, Aura and Zachary’s relationship sizzles as the secrets of the Shift are revealed.

Life can change in an instant, and no one understands that better than Aura. It’s been almost a year since her boyfriend tragically died. She’s finally letting go of Logan’s violet-hued ghost, but not her search to uncover the truth about her past. As the first in a generation that can see ghosts, Aura is convinced she has a connection to the Shift. She’s trusted Zachary, ever patient and ever by her side, with all that she knows. But when the government threatens his life in an attempt to learn Aura’s secrets, she will stop at nothing to protect herself and the one she loves...even if that means betraying her own heart.

My Thoughts:

Somewhere out there, sleeping fitfully or staring at a bare ceiling, Zachary's eyes were still full of life. And one day, they would rest on me again. - p26, Aura

Missing Logan was an emptiness, an ache so dull and deep, it was a permanent part of me. I would never truly get over his death, but someday I would find peace.   - p96, Aura

Logan will always be a part of Aura, a part of her soul, just like Zachary is part of her too. Losing the two most important people in her life, one after the other will be beyond tragic for her. She will do anything to save Zach. She will never lose her boyfriend again.

Shade Series has this power to touch hearts, transporting readers to the beautiful fictional world of Shade. With the author's beautiful writing and captivating words, readers will once again experience some overwhelming emotions. As always, Jeri Smith-Ready never fail to touch the nerves of my being, capturing the depth of my heart. With all my love for this series, I want to give Shine a two thumbs up!

Nothing else could make this book perfect (uhm, except for Logan who I missed dearly). But even though I am a Keeley girl from the beginning, it doesn't mean I love Zachary any less. As much as I want Logan to be ALIVE and in SHINE, I have to admit that it's a good thing he's dead and happy (To Logan: You're happy now, right?), or else I would die in confusion and frustration on who to choose for Aura. I mean, Logan is perfect in her own way but so is Zach. Zach and Aura are perfect for each other just like Starbucks Java Chip Frappe and a warm honey-glazed doughnut (What?! It's my favorite tandem! Don't protest.) And besides, Logan made this series remarkable and heart-breaking simply by being dead. He's the hottest, most gorgeous ghost I've ever seen... in BOOKS (Oh gosh, I don't want any ghosts coming around me after this review. So I just want to be clear, I've never seen any ghost in my lifetime, and I DON'T WANNA SEE ONE unless I'm sure it's Logan. If you are any other ghost, BEWARE. Show yourself and you'll be dead twice *winks). For those of you who love Logan (like me) and misses him (like me) and a bit disappointed or sad that he won't be in Shine (not like me), please don't despair. It isn't the end for Logan, or for you. There's more to know that I'm sure you  wouldn't want to miss. You will still read about him in this book. He's there, not physically but he's always there. He's with Aura, and I love how she still treasure Logan and their memories. You'll love him even more in Shine. And you'll love Zach even more, too. I love both guys and if it's possible to keep both of them alive, I'll do it. If it's even possible to love two guys equally, I'd choose them both. There's a woven perfect love triangle in Shade, no other book have this kind of thing, yet. It's beautiful, it's overpowering.

Before my not-so-non-sense rambling continues, I just want to say that I love Shine so much and I don't think there would be a better ending for the series other than what the author created. The characters that I loved are still as amazing as they are. Dylan will always be a favorite of mine, and it's a nice thing to know that he might soon find his own happily-ever-after. Oh, and I liked what he said about Zachary,

"I couldn't deal with the waiting, Zachary was like a freaking superhero. Captain Patience or something." - p. 93, Dylan

Aura's character matured strongly in this book, and it's interesting to see more of Zachary--so sweet and loving and swoon-worthy. Their love is meant to be, with or without the Shift, "Mo Anam Caraid". Scotland and Ireland are two adorable places I want to visit after this book. The accent which everyone loves, you can hear more of those! Not just from Zach, but from Martin, too. Introducing another Shade boy to nominate in the YA Crush-Tourney. Check him out and see! With all  the love I could summon, I would give to Shine and the rest of the series. I highly recommend this book. If you haven't pick this series yet, go and grab a copy now. You won't be disappointed. If you've read the first two books and loved them, what are you waiting for? See the Shade boys and Aura, one last more time.

It was a journey he wouldn't travel alone. His soul's fabric was weaving itself with mine. I loved every frayed ends where it came unraveled, and I loved the strength at it's firm, solid center. I loved every thread. - p. 277, Aura

My Rating:

Other books in the series:

Read my Review

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TBR Intervention Challenge (36)

TBR Intervention is a weekly challenge hosted by

Dani @RefractedLight , Ayanami @Whatever you Can Still Betray and April @Books4Juliet

Everyone is WELCOME to JOIN this meme. Just click the image TBR Intervention Button above to see the rules and read more about this feature.

LAST WEEK'S TBRIC:

I finally finished Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready. Yay! And it was awesome! The ending is beautiful and I love Logan and Zach even more in this book, especially Logan (oh I miss him). If you haven't read this series, YOU HAVE TO. It's one of my most favorites stories ever. I'll try to post my review this week.






THIS WEEK'S TBRIC:

Silent Song by Ron C. Nieto

Publication Date: July 1st 2012

The princess of the school, Alice, is keeping a secret that could strip her of her high school fame. She is obsessed with the school’s outcast, Keith, but not just him – his music. 

Since the inspiration for the song hit, Keith can’t get it out of his mind. The song must be played; it demands to be played. He knows the music is changing him, but he is unable to stop it. 

Music has the ability to move you, enlighten you, and take you to places you have never dreamed of. And this particular piece? It has a life of its own and makes you forget who you really are. 

As Keith and Alice learn of one another to the notes of that one perfect tune, they can overlook their roles and discover who they could be together. But they also discover someone else is listening and intends on keeping Keith to herself, possibly for an eternity.

I plan to read Silent Song by Ron C. Nieto so I'll be ready for the tour. Yes, you heard me, it's Ron @ Stories of My Life :) I'm so happy to be a part of this tour and I'm excited to finish the book and tell you my thoughts about it. I'm not really good in writing reviews and I'm a bit nervous that I may not be able to write a proper one for Ron's book. But I promise, I will always be honest about it. Ron, are you nervous, too? hehe.

My schedule changed BIG time now that school has started and I'm trying to read whenever I find some free time (which is scarce). It was a great week though, seeing my child's big smile whenever I tell him it's time to go to school. So even though I only have a few minutes/hours to read, it's ok cos the week has been so rewarding :)

How's your week?

TBR Intervention Challenge (35)

TBR Intervention is a weekly challenge hosted by

Dani @RefractedLight , Ayanami @Whatever you Can Still Betray and April @Books4Juliet

Everyone is WELCOME to JOIN this meme. Just click the image TBR Intervention Button above to see the rules and read more about this feature.

LAST WEEK'S TBRIC:

Shine has been two weeks over due. SADLY, I'm still on Chapter 18. So my week was a DISASTER when it comes to my TBRIC. I couldn't get a quiet time to read Shine without interruptions so I decided to set it aside for a while and get back to it once my schedule is ok. I know it's CRAZY, but here's my current reading status as of today:

The Vincent Brothers by Abbi Glines, Chapter 5. 

Reason to Breathe by Rebecca Donovan, loc 158 of 8630 on Kindle

Clockwise by Elle Strauss, Chapter 3

The Forever Girl by Rebecca Hamilton, loc 295 of 5203  on Kindle

The Rock Star's Daughter by Caitlyn Duffy, loc 630 of 4073 on Kindle

Silent Song by Ron C. Nieto, Chapter 12 :)

Not to mention, I also started The One That I Want by Jennifer Echols, Love and Leftovers by Sarah Tregay, and Ditched by Robin Mellom. See, I told you it was a DISASTER. I've started so many books and haven't finish any of them. Well at least I've read and enjoyed BRIDGE by Jeri Smith-Ready from Enthralled. This is so embarrassing *hides face. I can't find a book that suits my mood, and I'm telling you, it's so frustrating! A doctor told me that I have cumulative stress that equals to super stress. Maybe it's one of the reasons why I couldn't get the right book at the moment. I don't have the mood to read. Did this happen to you before? Or it's just me? 

THIS WEEK'S TBRIC:

*Sigh. I still wanna finish Shine so same book AGAIN. 

I hope you DID a LOT better than me last week. What's on your TBRIC today?

Book Review: THE SELECTION by Kiera Cass

The Selection (The Selection #1)
Author: Kiera Cass
Published Date: April 24th 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian

Summary | Add to TBR

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

My Thoughts:

I've never been a fan of The Bachelor or any other dating game on TV, but The Selection appealed to me so much due to its gorgeous cover and positive reviews. Honestly speaking, I've expected a lot from this book and though it didn't perfectly lived up to my expectations, I could say that it was worth my time. I liked the idea of the story--reality show slash dating game slash "aka The Bachelor" slash Cinderella slash dystopia. Even though I didn't quite taste the dystopian flavor, I still enjoyed the other aromas this book has to offer. 

Living as a Five, America Singer never imagined that her life would suddenly make a drastic change when she was chosen as one of the thirty-five girls who will compete for the heart (or the crown) of Prince Maxon of Illea. All she wanted was to marry his secret boyfriend--beautiful and hardworking boy--Aspen, a Six. Being in the palace with other gorgeous women, and having spent time with the handsome prince, she realized that there's something more at being a prince or a royal. Seems like Prince Maxon isn't someone she thought he was. Feeling suddenly confused of her own feelings, she must decide what she really wants while trying to figure out his feelings for Aspen and the prince. 

I'd say that after reading this book, I didn't expect that it would linger on my mind for so long... I don't know what it is that makes me think about the book so much and care for the characters that I've grown to adore. It isn't one of my favorites but I really enjoyed the story. It was charming and beautiful and sweet in its own way. It is a love story mixed with action and just enough suspense. It was entertaining! 

What I didn't like? Hmm... I can't think of any. Except maybe the ending. It wasn't bad though. I just wanted more--more of America and Maxon. For me, it felt like I was given a book that was half-finished. Something that made me want to know the real ending. I need it and I want it now. I want to know what will happen to America. Who is the one she really cares about? Who will she choose between the two guys? Will Maxon pick her as his princess? Or will America end up with Aspen? I so want to know! Really, does it have to end that way? It's going to be a long wait. 

If you enjoyed The Bachelor or any other dating game like this one, then you might like this book. It isn't just the beautiful cover that makes it good, it's the story, the characters, the world of The Selection as a whole. Grab a copy and enjoy!

"I hope you find someone you can't live without. I really do. And I hope you never have to know what it's like to have to try and live without them." America, p.95

My Rating:

TBR Intervention Challenge (34)

TBR Intervention is a weekly challenge hosted by

Dani @RefractedLight , Ayanami @Whatever you Can Still Betray and April @Books4Juliet

Everyone is WELCOME to JOIN this meme. Just click the image TBR Intervention Button above to see the rules and read more about this feature.

LAST WEEK'S TBRIC:
The book I committed to read was Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready. Honestly, I'm not even halfway through.  I barely had time to read last week even though I am dying to devour the book.

THIS WEEK'S TBRIC:
So, same book for this coming week. Shine oh Shine...
I hope I'll be able to read this week though. My son will start school and I'm sure my schedule will change tremendously. I'm excited but nervous as well, so wish me luck.